Chapter 18 - Documents tabled in the Senate

One of the principal means whereby the Senate informs itself in relation to public affairs is the formal presentation of documents to the Senate.

A document formally presented to the Senate is said to be “laid on the table”, and that expression is used in the standing orders. In common usage a document presented to the Senate is said to be “tabled”. Such a document is then formally before the Senate, and may be the subject of action by the Senate.